Persons classified as non-residents upon first enrollment in an institution of higher education are presumed to be non-residents for the period during which they continue as students. If such non-resident students reside in the state while gainfully employed for a period of 12 consecutive months prior to the semester that they are applying for residency, upon re-entry to the institution they will be entitled to be considered for reclassification as residents for tuition purposes.

Reclassification to resident status after residing in the state for 12 months cannot be based solely upon the student’s employment. Materials to this determination are business or personal facts or actions that indicate a fixed intention to reside permanently in the state of Texas. Such facts include, but are not limited to, the length of residence and full-time employment prior to enrollment, the nature of employment, purchase of a homestead, or dependency upon a parent or guardian who has resided in Texas for a minimum of at least 12 months.

Documents acceptable for this purpose include, but are not limited to:

Employer statement of date of employment

Permanent driver’s license (At least one year old)

Texas voter registration (At least one year old)

Lease agreement which includes student’s name and period covered

Property tax payments

Income tax form

W-2 form

A current credit report which documents the student’s length and place of residence

Utility bills for the year preceding enrollment

Other third party documentation which confirms residency status for the 12 month period preceding enrollment

A signed, dated and notarized comprehensive residence questionnaire

At least five of these items must be submitted

Application for reclassification must be submitted prior to the census date (12th class day) of the relevant term.